The Resettlement Journey

There are a variety of Government Resettlement programmes in the UK. Each with slight variation of the support offered. This guide is an overview of the general process.

The resettlement process relies on a multi-agency approach. With governments pledging to support, UNHCR identifying and registering individuals, local councils offering places and organisations/community groups providing the on the ground support on arrival.

Although it takes a lot of work, this method is proving to be one that increases integration and allows new arrivals to contribute to the community and society. Giving them a sense of belonging and increasing the community output

Stage 1

Displacement

On arriving in refugee camps, UNHCR registers those eligible and gathers details to begin the resettlement process.

Some programmes follow a slightly different process, for example, the Homes for Ukraine scheme initially had an application process for displaced individuals, who had to apply alongside their identified host in the UK.

UNHCR also completes assessments on peoples refugee claims through a process similar to that which would take place in the UK

UNHCR and partner organisations often provide pre-departure orientation, health assessments, and psychosocial support to help prepare refugees for resettlement.

Stage 2

Allocation

Once someone has been identified and approved for resettlement, UNHCR will then work to identify a host country for the resettlement

The resettlement country decides whether to accept the refugee based on the information gathered.

Once accepted, a medical exam and travel are arranged.

UNHCR may work with host countries to match refugees with suitable locations based on their needs, family ties, or language skills, helping ensure smoother integration and long-term stability.

Stage 3

Pre-arrival in host country

Once someone has been accepted by a host country, plans will be made for them to travel. Local authorities will be informed of the arrivals.

Different Local Authorities will manage things differently, but once they receive a referral, they will inform the delivery organisation who will begin to prepare for the refugees arrival

Accommodation, basic supplies, and initial support services may be arranged in advance to ensure a safe and stable arrival for the refugee or family.

Stage 4

Initial Support

Arrival day can be a whirlwind for people with airport pickups, being taken to their new home and settling in.

But the weeks that follow will be filled with visits to local agencies, getting children in school, beginning ESOL classes and getting set up with everything someone needs in the UK.

Commissioned organisations such as RMC play a crucial role in local orientations for the arrivals. Assessing needs and putting in place integration plans.

Community organisations assist with facilitating access to essential services and providing education on services available including how to contact emergency services.

Stage 5

Long term support

With a focus on independence, refugees are supported to build their own lives in the UK. They are helped to build social lives, gain employment, develop language skills, and navigate the immigration system as any refugee would need to.

The aim is to reduce support over time as people are able to manage by themselves. Ongoing check-ins and social events are a great way to catch up and see when additional help may be beneficial along the way.

Different commissioned programs run by community organisations will have different timelines; for example, support may be available for 12 months as a standard, then extended if vulnerabilities are present.

Long-term outcomes include achieving employment and secure housing.